Shanghai Museum

A worldclass museum showcasing Chinas ancient art and cultural heritage in the heart of Shanghai

Shanghai Museum

Key Information

Established

1952

Current Building Opened

1996

Collection Size

Over 120000 artifacts

Galleries

11 permanent galleries

Architectural Style

Round heaven square earth design

Specialty Collections

Bronze ceramics painting calligraphy jade

Visitor Capacity

8000 visitors daily

Audio Guide Languages

English Chinese Japanese Korean

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible with elevators

Photography Policy

Allowed without flash in most galleries

The Shanghai Museum is one of Chinas premier cultural institutions located at Peoples Square in the heart of Shanghai Established in 1952 and relocated to its current iconic building in 1996 the museum houses over 120000 precious artifacts spanning 5000 years of Chinese history The museums unique circular design with a square base symbolizes the ancient Chinese concept of a round heaven and square earth reflecting traditional Chinese cosmology The collection is organized into eleven galleries including Ancient Chinese Bronze Ancient Chinese Ceramics Ancient Chinese Painting Ancient Chinese Calligraphy Ancient Chinese Sculpture Ancient Chinese Jade Ancient Chinese Furniture Ancient Chinese Coins and Seals Ancient Chinese Minority Nationalities Art and Ancient Chinese Ceramics of the Ming and Qing Dynasties The museum is particularly renowned for its bronze collection which is considered one of the finest in the world with exquisite examples from the Shang and Zhou dynasties The ceramics collection features masterpieces from Neolithic pottery to Qing dynasty porcelain including rare celadon and blueandwhite wares The painting and calligraphy galleries display works by legendary artists from throughout Chinese history offering insights into the philosophical and aesthetic traditions that have shaped Chinese civilization The museum also features interactive exhibits and multimedia presentations that bring ancient artifacts to life making it accessible to visitors of all ages and backgrounds

Things to Do

  • Explore the Ancient Chinese Bronze Gallery to see exquisite ritual vessels from the Shang and Zhou dynasties
  • Admire the worldclass collection of Chinese ceramics from Neolithic pottery to Ming and Qing porcelain
  • View masterpieces of Chinese painting and calligraphy spanning centuries of artistic tradition
  • Discover the Ancient Chinese Jade Gallery featuring intricate carvings with symbolic meanings
  • Examine the Ancient Chinese Furniture Gallery showcasing Ming and Qing dynasty craftsmanship
  • Learn about Chinese numismatics in the Ancient Chinese Coins and Seals Gallery
  • Appreciate Buddhist sculptures and religious art in the Ancient Chinese Sculpture Gallery
  • Explore minority nationalities art representing Chinas diverse ethnic cultures
  • Visit the temporary exhibitions featuring special collections from around the world
  • Enjoy the museums architecture and its symbolic representation of Chinese cosmology